Marion County, OR Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Marion County, OR, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- County permit
- None on rural private land
- Salem permit
- Required for protected trees
- Citation
- SRC 808.030
- Exempt
- Utilities, hazards, routine maintenance
- Cities differ
- Salem, Keizer, Woodburn separate rules
Summary
Unincorporated Marion County requires no permit to remove a private tree. Inside the City of Salem, protected trees and native vegetation may not be removed without a tree and vegetation removal permit, with limited exceptions for utilities, hazards and routine maintenance.
Except as provided in subsection (a)(2) of this section, no trees or native vegetation protected under SRC 808.015, SRC 808.020, or SRC 808.025 shall be removed unless a tree and vegetation removal permit has been issued pursuant to this section.
Full Breakdown
On rural, unincorporated Marion County land there is no county tree-preservation permit for removing trees on private property; farm/forest zoning and the Weed Control District govern vegetation instead. The permit regime is a City of Salem rule: under SRC 808.030, no trees or native vegetation protected under SRC 808.015, 808.020 or 808.025 (significant trees, riparian-corridor and other protected vegetation) may be removed unless a tree and vegetation removal permit has been issued. Salem exempts removals for vision-clearance maintenance, required utility and road work, City-tree work under SRC Chapter 86, and continued maintenance of existing landscaping. Keizer and Woodburn set their own tree standards. Confirm your city before removing a protected tree.
Violations & Fines
Removing protected Salem trees without the required permit violates SRC 808.030 and can bring code-enforcement penalties and mitigation or replacement conditions. Unincorporated county land has no county tree-removal permit or penalty absent a nuisance or development condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Marion County require a permit to remove a tree?
Which Salem trees need a removal permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marion County
Compare Marion County to another location·View the Oregon landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.